Technology

As AI Strains the Grid, R-Zero Cuts Building HVAC Energy 20 to 40 Percent

Published

4 months ago

June 23, 2026

R-Zero’s Physical AI platform uses real-time occupancy to reduce ventilation energy in existing buildings, with no capital investment and savings verified against utility bills.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As AI compute demand strains power grids and drives operating costs higher across every sector, data centers accounted for approximately 1.5% of global electricity in 2024, according to analysis from the Brookings Institution, with demand growing significantly faster than overall electricity consumption. Fortune 500 technology companies, major telecommunications providers, Ivy League institutions, and nationally ranked healthcare systems are turning to R-Zero. The Physical AI platform for buildings is cutting HVAC energy use by 20 to 40 percent without retrofits, capital investment, or operational disruption.

Most commercial buildings still run HVAC on fixed schedules or indirect signals like CO2, with ventilation sized for a peak occupancy that rarely occurs. Average peak occupancy across commercial buildings is roughly 50 percent, and HVAC accounts for about 40 percent of a building’s total energy use. The result is systematic over-conditioning of empty and under-occupied space, hour after hour.

R-Zero closes that gap by putting intelligence in the building’s control loop, without any new HVAC equipment or rewiring. The platform senses live occupancy across every floor, zone, and air handler, interprets how each space is actually being used, and continuously determines how much ventilation it needs minute to minute, communicating directly with the building’s existing control system. When a zone empties, the system automatically dials back airflow to a certified low-energy mode, also known as ASHRAE-compliant Occupied Standby, then ramps back up the moment people return. The same intelligence runs across an entire portfolio, learning each building’s patterns, constantly adjusting to how the building is actually being used, holding comfort inside defined guardrails, and catching inefficiencies before they show up on the energy bill.

“Buildings are one of the largest sources of controllable energy waste, and most still run as if every room is full,” said Jennifer Nuckles, CEO of R-Zero. “We turn real-time occupancy into control decisions inside the existing building system, so the savings show up in the financial reporting, not just on a dashboard. That is what physical AI looks like when it operates infrastructure instead of describing it.”

Verified Results

At a nationally ranked children’s hospital system, R-Zero deployed its platform across a 521,000-square-foot facility where ventilation had previously operated at fixed levels regardless of occupancy. The following results were measured against a pre-project baseline using IPMVP methodology:

30 percent reduction in HVAC energy use23,000 kWh saved9.72 metric tons of CO2 avoided72 percent reduction in excess airflow during low-occupancy periods66 percent of operating hours in a certified low-energy ventilation mode or ASHRAE-compliant Occupied Standby modeZero impact on occupant comfort: 100% of occupants reported temperature satisfaction

Adoption and Recognition

Most building operators know they are over-conditioning space. The barrier has never been awareness; it has been the capital commitment, operational complexity, and risk of replacing working infrastructure to fix it. R-Zero removes all three.

Commercial buildings account for approximately 30% of U.S. energy consumption, and HVAC is often the single largest controllable operating expense. As utilities and regulators look for ways to reduce grid strain without building new generation capacity, optimizing existing building infrastructure has become an increasingly attractive source of demand reduction.

The platform is gaining traction across building types where HVAC spend is high and occupancy is variable: non-clinical healthcare facilities, higher education campuses, corporate offices, and large commercial real estate portfolios. R-Zero is offered through a shared-savings model with no upfront cost, and fees are tied directly to verified savings measured against actual utility bills, removing the capital-approval barrier that stops most building intelligence projects from moving forward.

R-Zero’s approach earned ASHRAE Technology Awards at both the Golden Gate Chapter and Region X levels in the Healthcare/EBCx Building category, evaluated on measured field performance against a pre-project baseline rather than vendor claims.

To learn more about R-Zero’s Physical AI, visit rzero.com/audit.

About R-Zero

R-Zero is the Physical AI platform for buildings. The platform uses real-time occupancy intelligence to operate existing building systems, reducing HVAC energy by 20 to 40 percent, lowering OpEx, and supporting NOI without capital investment, operational disruption, or added burden on facilities teams. R-Zero integrates with existing BMS infrastructure over BACnet and delivers verified savings measured against actual energy bills using IPMVP methodology. R-Zero has raised a total of $170 million to date, with backing from La Caisse, Mayo Clinic Ventures, World Innovation Lab, John Doerr, and DBL Partners. Learn more at rzero.com.

MEDIA CONTACT BAM for R-Zero rzero@bambybig.agency

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SOURCE R-Zero

Technology

AKEEYO to Showcase 711Air, 750S and H2 Ride Cameras at EICMA 2026

Published

41 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AKEEYO, a brand dedicated to dash cams and ride cameras, will exhibit at EICMA 2026, November 3–8 at Fiera Milano Rho, Italy. At Hall 24, Booth B67, the brand will showcase the 710Lite, 730Pro, 750Lite, 750S, 711Air and H2, spanning lightweight recording, 4K image quality and helmet-view capture.

711Air Makes Everyday Recording Simple

Weighing just 80g, the new 711Air adds minimal weight to a helmet, while its 1800mAh battery supports 8–10 hours of recording. One-touch quick recording, with vibration feedback confirming power on/off and recording start/stop, means riders never need to look at the camera. It also offers up to 36 hours of Always On Video (AOV) monitoring, plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, app connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

750S Captures the Road in True 4K HDR

The 750S combines true 4K HDR recording with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for detailed, steadier riding footage. Dual-band Wi-Fi supports stable connections and efficient video transfers, while app access and OTA firmware updates simplify video management and keep the camera up to date. It is designed for touring riders, cyclists and anyone seeking high-quality recordings.

H2 Records from the Rider’s Perspective

Designed for helmet-view recording, the H2 features dual 1080p cameras that capture two perspectives at once, along with 8–10 hours of runtime and a 3-second quick-release mount. Its lightweight, easy-to-use design suits daily rides and longer motorcycle journeys.

Also on display are the AKY-730Pro 4K touchscreen camera, the ultra-compact AKY-710Lite and the endurance-focused 750Lite.

Visit AKEEYO at EICMA 2026

Dates: November 3–8, 2026
Booth: Hall 24 • Booth B67
Venue: Fiera Milano Rho
Address: Strada Statale del Sempione 28, 20017 Rho (MI), Italy

For AKEEYO, EICMA 2026 is the right stage to introduce the 711Air to riders, media and the global two-wheeler industry. Visitors can handle the 80g body and try one-touch recording in person, and dealers and distributors interested in partnering with AKEEYO are welcome to fill out the inquiry form.

About AKEEYO

AKEEYO designs dash cams and ride cameras for cars, motorcycles and bicycles, helping users record the road and relive their journeys.

Website: www.akeeyo.com

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Technology

For A Bright Future Foundation Launches NextGen Finance Lab Across Manhattan High School District, New York

Published

41 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

District-wide rollout brings project-based financial literacy and professional mentorship to Manhattan’s 50 public high schools, building on a successful pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future (“For A Bright Future,” “FABF”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity for underserved youth, today announced the district-wide expansion of its NextGen Finance Lab program into the Manhattan High School District. In partnership with the Manhattan High School District Team, under the supervision of Superintendent Gary Beidleman, FABF will launch the program’s first cohort of 8 high schools this fall, with plans to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to additional Manhattan high schools in the semesters that follow as part of a phased, district-wide rollout.

“At Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, we saw firsthand what this program can do. Our students left Pitch Like A Dragon more confident, more articulate, and more prepared to manage their own financial futures than I’ve seen from any other initiative we’ve run. I’m proud that the model our students and teachers helped build is now reaching classrooms across Manhattan,” said Manuel A. Ureña, Principal, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School.

The NextGen Finance Lab is a project-based financial literacy program that integrates the Dave Ramsey Financial Literacy curriculum with FABF’s FinTech mentorship ecosystem. Throughout the program, students build core skills in budgeting, saving, debt elimination, investing, and entrepreneurship, while working directly with FinTech industry professionals who share real-world perspective on banking, digital wallets, investing, and career pathways in financial technology. The program culminates in “Pitch Like A Dragon,” a school-level and district-level competition in which student teams pitch original business and FinTech concepts to a panel of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and New York City business professionals, with scholarship awards presented to top teams.

“This expansion is proof of what’s possible when a nonprofit, a school district, and industry partners commit to the same goal. Everything we’re scaling today started as a pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, where educators and students helped shape the curriculum and the ‘Pitch Like A Dragon’ event structure now being adopted by seven more schools this fall. That’s how one school’s success becomes a lasting pathway for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, For A Bright Future Foundation.”This expansion demonstrates the collective impact achievable through aligned partnerships. The model shaped at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) High School now serves as a lasting foundation for advancing financial literacy for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, FABF. The success at JKO High School, now fueling district‑wide deployment, was strengthened by the guidance of FABF’s Consultant in Academic Affairs and former Senior Deputy Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education, whose deep expertise helped shape a program adaptable to each school’s unique vision and academic priorities.

FABF and the Manhattan High School District Team have confirmed the following schools for the initial launch cohort:

Leadership and Public Service High SchoolJacqueline Kennedy Onassis High SchoolHigh School for Law and Public ServiceMurry Bergtraum High School for Business CareersHigh School of Fashion IndustriesHudson High School of Learning TechnologiesMott Hall High School: Finance Lab ProgramFood and Finance High School

FABF’s long-term goal is to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to all 50 high schools in the Manhattan District, expanding in phased cohorts over the coming semesters.

“As someone who spent a career in financial services, I know how much of a difference it makes when young people are exposed to these concepts early. This program doesn’t just teach students about money; it gives them the confidence to pitch real ideas, take feedback, and think like entrepreneurs,” said Benson Porter, Program Chairman, NextGen Finance Lab, FABF.

About For A Bright Future Foundation

Louis Hernandez Jr’s Foundation For A Bright Future is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that empowers underserved youth with equitable access to education, technology, financial capability, and wellness. We help students develop future‑ready skills that unlock lifelong opportunity and support thriving global communities. Learn more at www.fabff.org.

FABF operates programs nationwide, including the NextGen Finance Lab, the NextGen Media Creators Lab, the merit- and need-based scholarships, and youth leadership development, working directly with schools, districts, and industry leaders to bridge opportunity gaps for the next generation.

Media Contact
Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs
For A Bright Future Foundation
gmr@forabrightfuturefoundation.org

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SOURCE Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future

Technology

VOICEBUDS, A QUIETER WAY TO WORK WITH VOICE, NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY SHIPPING

Published

41 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

Voicebuds reinvent earbuds for personal voice computing, even below a whisper

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Subtle announced today that Voicebuds, its award-winning private voice computing device, is available to ship in time for the 2026 holiday season, with customers ordering by December 10th receiving their devices by December 24th.

Since Voicebuds were unveiled in January, AI voice dictation has surged in popularity, but the fundamental problems with voice input remain unsolved. Dictating aloud is awkward in open offices, offers little privacy in public spaces, and remains unreliable when others are speaking nearby.

With Voicebuds, Subtle has reinvented the earbud as a private voice interface that works even at a whisper. The device combines Subtle’s breakthrough voice isolation technology with an AI voice computing app for iPhone and Mac, enabling discreet, reliable voice computing in the places where people actually live and work. Voicebuds serve as both premium everyday earbuds for music and calls, and a personal computing device for voice dictation and AI. They are designed for voice productivity in crowded commutes, quiet libraries, noisy cafes, and shared spaces where traditional voice tools have always failed.

“It’s been inspiring to hear from our beta testers using Voicebuds to prompt AI in shared offices without booking a quiet booth, dictate on planes without bothering their seatmates, and take calls amid the noise and bustle of their daily lives,” said Tyler Chen, cofounder and CEO of Subtle. “We’re incredibly excited to put Voicebuds in the hands of all of our customers just in time for the holidays and hear what new use cases they come up with.”

In Subtle’s internal testing across real-world noise environments, Voicebuds delivered up to 5X fewer transcription errors than AirPods Pro 3 combined with leading AI dictation software.

Voicebuds offer:

Subtle voice dictation: Write with voice in any app on iPhone and Mac, without being overheard.Voice notes: Capture thoughts and ideas instantly, and access them across multiple devices.Contextual AI chat: Brainstorm with an AI assistant, without being overheard.Music and calls: Everyday listening, noise cancellation, multipair connectivity and clear calls.

For holiday shoppers, Voicebuds replace multiple devices and apps as a single product for listening, communication, and voice computing that finally works in the real world.

Voicebuds are available starting today for $249 in either Parchment White or Ink Black. Voicebuds ship with a 1-year membership to the Subtle app for iPhone and Mac, providing a complete voice productivity experience across dictation, contextual AI chat, and cross-device voice notes. After year one, users can continue the full Subtle Pro membership for $17 per month, or switch to the free tier anytime with full earbud functionality and limited AI usage.

Customers can order now at subtle.co.

About Subtle

Subtle is pioneering personal voice computing technology, designed to make voice the most effective, trusted interface anywhere. Its machine learning technology powers consumer hardware for whispered, private, and noise-resilient voice AI that works in real-world environments. Founded by Stanford engineers and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Subtle is supported by funding from Entrada Ventures, Amplify Partners, Abstract Ventures, and founders of Twitter, Pinterest, and Perplexity. Learn more at subtle.co.

Media Contact

press@subtle.co

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SOURCE Subtle Computing